Category Archives: Reviews

Film Music Documentary: “Jaco” (P.1)

Review by Dawoud Kringle

Photo by Claus Eckert (www.claus-eckert.com)

Bass iconoclast Jaco Pastorius (seen here in 1986) is the subject of a new documentary produced by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo.

Legendary musicians like Jaco Pastorius are the stuff of which documentary makers dream. He was an unparalleled musical genius, innovator, outgoing public figure, and, sadly, self destructive tragic figure. Netflix recently released the eponymously titled documentary, produced by Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo.

The film opens with abstract visuals depicting jazz imagery to the subconscious mind, a swinging jazz piece in the background, and clips of a variety of people talking about what a bad cat Jaco was.

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Vision Festival 21

Vision Festival 21 – Saturday Night (P.2)

Vision Festival 21..FREE-JAZZ IS A DISCIPLINED DISREGARD ​FOR TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES!

Continued from P.1:… Jackson‘s piano offered crystalline sounds and deft transitions between styles and moods. (The way the grand piano he played was mixed, or perhaps the effect of the room’s acoustics, made it sound somewhat like an upright.) Bluiett stood above it all with an authoritative mastery and strong conviction of what needed to be said.

At one point, the music became a gaseous cloud, swirling in and around itself and abstract shaped inanimate objects. After a drum solo, the music coalesced into a joyful gospel tinged groove. After another rousing gospel of a different ilk that ran through its own world of possibilities, they continued with a beautiful and moving ballad. The piano set the stage for the sax melody. The drums provided excellent ornamentation, and the tuba assumed the mantle of arch bass with astonishing aplomb and grace. The whole piece was quite emotional and moving. After this, they concluded their set with an immersion into the blues.

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VISION FESTIVAL 21

Vision Festival 21 – Saturday Night (P.1)

Date:  June 11, 2016
Venue: Judson Memorial Church (NY)

Review by Dawoud Kringle

“The aim of the Vision Festival is to keep alive in hearts and minds, all of the idealism, integrity and sense of responsibility that lay at the heart of the creative movements in the 60’s.”  

On Saturday, June 11th, the second day of the 21st Vision Festival (which featured a lifetime achievement tribute to Henry Grimes) promised a fascinating musical evening.

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Arc Welding Performing “Modern” Dada In NY

Arc WeldingDate: June 12, 2016
Venue: ABC No Rio (NY)
Review By Dawoud Kringle

Arc Welding, an experimental improvisational a cappella ensemble with Constance Cooper, Beth Griffith, and Lauren Lee, presented a performance at C.O.M.A., at ABC No Rio.

As Cooper – who’s a member of MFM – introduced the project and performance, the others began vocalizing. It became clear immediately that this was not to be a cappella performance with songs and arrangements. The vocalizing included a wide variety of harmonies, throat singing, sounds and ambient noises.

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